Solar Science with the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array—A New View of Our Sun

S. Wedemeyer, T. Bastian, R. Brajša, H. Hudson, Gregory Fleishman, M. Loukitcheva, B. Fleck, E. P. Kontar, B. De Pontieu, P. Yagoubov, S. K. Tiwari, R. Soler, J. H. Black, P. Antolin, E. Scullion, S. Gunár, N. Labrosse, H. G. Ludwig, A. O. Benz, S. M. WhiteP. Hauschildt, J. G. Doyle, V. M. Nakariakov, T. Ayres, P. Heinzel, M. Karlicky, T. Van Doorsselaere, Dale Gary, C. E. Alissandrakis, A. Nindos, S. K. Solanki, L. Rouppe van der Voort, M. Shimojo, Y. Kato, T. Zaqarashvili, E. Perez, C. L. Selhorst, M. Barta

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a new powerful tool for observing the Sun at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. These capabilities can address a broad range of fundamental scientific questions in solar physics. The radiation observed by ALMA originates mostly from the chromosphere—a complex and dynamic region between the photosphere and corona, which plays a crucial role in the transport of energy and matter and, ultimately, the heating of the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Based on first solar test observations, strategies for regular solar campaigns are currently being developed. State-of-the-art numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere and modeling of instrumental effects can help constrain and optimize future observing modes for ALMA. Here we present a short technical description of ALMA and an overview of past efforts and future possibilities for solar observations at submillimeter and millimeter wavelengths. In addition, selected numerical simulations and observations at other wavelengths demonstrate ALMA’s scientific potential for studying the Sun for a large range of science cases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalSpace Science Reviews
Volume200
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • Chromosphere
  • Corona
  • Flares
  • Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Photosphere
  • Prominences
  • Radiative transfer
  • Sun

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